Golf accessory holding unit

ABSTRACT

A golf accessory holding unit includes an upper portion having a golf tee holding portion and a golf ball marker holding portion. A lower portion is connected to the upper portion via a curved portion. The holding unit is configured to attach to the brim of a hat.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and the priority from U.S. provisional Application No. 62/039,498 filed Aug. 20, 2014 entitled GOLF TEE HOLDING UNIT, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/828,644 filed Aug. 18, 2015 entitled GOLF TEE HOLDING UNIT, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many sports require the use of small pieces of equipment including golf tees. These pieces of equipment, while critical to the proper execution of the game, are difficult to transport. Many times, players will forget to bring the small pieces to the required area of the playing field, resulting in a delay in the game. Conventional systems for transporting these pieces are not user friendly and often times result in the pieces being lost in transit.

Therefore, a need exists for a system that will allow the player of a game, such as golf, to transport small pieces, such as golf tees, with them as they play the game. There is also a need for a better, more convenient and less expensive method, system and/or device to carry golf tees and a golf ball marker on the golfer while playing golf without interference with the golfer's swing. The methods, systems and/or devices disclosed herein fulfill these and other needs, and provide further advantages and benefits in carrying golf tees and a golf ball marker on the golfer during a round of golf.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present disclosure includes a game piece holding unit including an upper portion having a plurality of openings, a lower portion, a curved portion connected to the upper portion and the lower portion where each of the plurality of openings is configured to hold a golf tee.

In another embodiment, the upper portion has an elliptical shape.

In another embodiment, the lower portion is biased towards the upper portion.

In another embodiment, a plurality of gripping units are formed on a surface of the lower portion closest to the upper portion.

In another embodiment, the gripping units are angled towards the curved portion.

In another embodiment, the curved portion has a semicircular shape.

In another embodiment, the gripping units are triangular in shape.

In another embodiment, a channel is formed on a side of each opening closest to the lower portion.

In another embodiment, the channels are configured to enlarge the size of the opening when an object is inserted into the opening.

One embodiment of the present disclosure includes a method of securing a game piece including the steps of forming an upper portion having a plurality of openings, forming a lower portion, forming a curved portion connected to the upper portion and the lower portion where each of the plurality of openings is configured to hold a golf tee.

In another embodiment, the upper portion has an elliptical shape.

In another embodiment, the lower portion is biased towards the upper portion.

In another embodiment, a plurality of gripping units are formed on a surface of the lower portion closest to the upper portion.

In a another embodiment, the gripping units are angled towards the curved portion.

In another embodiment, the curved portion has a semicircular shape.

In another embodiment, the gripping units are triangular in shape.

In another embodiment, a channel is formed on a side of each opening closest to the lower portion.

In another embodiment, the channels are configured to enlarge the size of the opening when an object is inserted into the opening.

In yet another embodiment, a plurality of channels for holding golf tees are provided in one half of the upper portion, and a securing device for holding a golf ball marker is provided in the other half of the upper portion.

In use, the unit is clipped on the brim of a hat, for example a baseball cap, such that the golf tees and the ball marker of carried on top of the brim of the hat.

Additional objectives, advantages and novel features will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present teachings, by way of example only, not by way of limitation. In the drawing figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. Details of the present invention, including non-limiting benefits and advantages, will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a golf tee holder of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a top view of the golf tee holder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the golf tee holder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 depicts front view of the golf tee holder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 depicts a top view of another embodiment of the golf tee holder.

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the golf tee holder of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a golf accessory holder of the present invention along with golf tees and a ball marker to be held therein.

FIG. 8 depicts a top perspective view of the golf accessory holder of FIG. 7 holding golf tees and a ball marker.

FIG. 9 depicts a bottom perspective view of the golf accessory holder of FIG. 7 holding golf tees and a ball marker.

FIG. 10 depicts a top perspective view of the golf accessory holder of FIG. 7 in use on a hat.

FIG. 11 depicts a side view of the golf accessory holder of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 depicts a top view of the golf accessory holder of FIG. 7.

FIG. 13 depicts a bottom view of the golf accessory holder of FIG. 7.

FIG. 14 depicts a back view of the golf accessory holder of FIG. 7.

FIG. 15 depicts a front view of the golf accessory holder of FIG. 7.

FIG. 16 depicts an exploded perspective view of the golf accessory holder of FIG. 7.

FIG. 17 depicts a cross-sectional view of the golf accessory holder of FIG. 7 take along line A-A of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description refers to numerous specific details which are set forth by way of examples to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant method(s), system(s) and device(s) disclosed herein. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and/or structures have been described at as relatively high-level, without detail, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present disclosure.

While the description refers by way of example to methods and devices relating to holding and carrying golf items, it should be understood that the method(s) and device(s) described herein may be used in any situation where holding and/or carrying small items is needed or desired while performing an activity.

While various embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the claims. All dimensions are the preferred dimensions and may vary in alternate embodiments so long as the holder performs substantially the same function in substantially the same way and produces substantially the same result. Accordingly, the present invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a golf tee holder 100. The golf tee holder 100 includes an upper portion 102 and a lower securing portion 104. The upper portion 102 and lower securing portion 104 are connected by a curved portion 106. The upper portion 102 includes a plurality of openings 108, 110 and 112 extending through the upper portion 102. The upper portion 102 may be made of an rigid or semi-rigid material including, metal, plastic, rubber or any other rigid or semi-rigid material.

The curved portion 106 may be made of a material having memory characteristics such as plastic. The curved portion 106 is configured such that the lower securing portion 104 is biased towards the upper portion 102 causing the lower portion 104 to move towards the upper portion 102 when a force is applied to the lower portion 104 in a direction away from the upper portion. An end 114 of the lower securing portion 104 is separated from the lower surface of the upper portion 102 by a predetermined distance. In one embodiment, the predetermined distance is approximately equal to the thickness of a brim of a hat. The surface of the lower securing portion 114 facing the lower surface of the upper portion 102 may include gripping units 116 that are configured to engage the surface of an object positioned between the lower securing portion 114 and the upper portion 112. In one embodiment, the lower portion 104 includes at least one gripping unit 116. In another embodiment, the lower portion 104 includes a plurality of gripping units 116. The gripping units 116 may extend along or across a length or width of the lower portion 116 or may be individual gripping units 116.

FIG. 2 depicts a top view of the golf tee holder 100. The openings 108, 110 and 112 each include elevated portions 202. Each opening 108, 110 and 112 extends through a diameter of the upper portion 102 such that an object can pass through the entire length of the upper portion 102. In another embodiment, each opening 102 is open at one end and closed on the opposite end. The curved portion 106 is coupled to one side of the upper portion 102. In one embodiment, the shape of the upper portion 102 is substantially elliptical. Consistent with this embodiment, the openings 108, 110 and 112 are parallel with the short diameter of the ellipse. In another embodiment, the shape of the upper portion 102 may be triangular, circular or any other shape.

The lower portion of each opening 108, 110 and 112 includes a channel 204. The channel 204 provides access from the lower surface of the upper portion 102 to the cavity of the opening 108, 110 or 112. The channel 204 also allows the openings 108, 110 and 112 to flex when a force is applied on opposite ends of the upper portion 102. As an illustrative example when a force is applied perpendicular to the short diameter of the upper portion 102, the channel is narrowed allowing the opening 108, 110 or 112 to deform.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the golf tee holder 100. Each of the, openings 108, 110 and 112 is substantially circular with the lower portion of each opening having the channel 204 connecting each opening 108, 110 and 112 to the area between the securing portion 104 and the upper portion 102. Each channel 204 is formed by opposing protrusions 304 and 306 formed in the lower surface of the upper portion 102. The opposing protrusions 304 and 306 are separated by a predetermined distance with the predetermined distance determining the width of the channel 204. In one embodiment, the diameter of each opening 108, 110 and 112 is sized to accommodate the diameter of the lower portion of a golf tee. In another embodiment, the size of each opening 108, 110 and 112 is sized to be slightly smaller than the diameter of the lower portion or shaft of a golf tee such that the lower portion or shaft of the golf tee engages the inner walls of the opening 108, 110 and 112 such that the opening is expanded to accommodate the tee. In one embodiment, the diameter of each opening 108, 110 and 112 is substantially similar. In another embodiment, the diameter of each opening 108, 110 and 112 is different. Each opening 108, 110 and 112 is separated from adjacent openings 108, 110 or 112 by spacer units 308. The sides of the spacer units 308 are formed by the sides of adjacent openings 108, 110 or 112.

The lower surface of the curved portion 106 is substantially coplanar with the lower surface of the upper portion 102. The curved portion 106 may form a substantially semi-circular shape. The gripping units 116 may be substantially triangular in shape with the center axis of the triangle being angled towards the curved portion 106. By angling the central axis of the gripping units 116 towards the center portion, the golf tee holder 100 is held in position when the upper portion 102 and lower securing portion 104 engage a surface. In one embodiment, the top of the upper portion 102 is removable. Consistent with this embodiment, the top may be removed to expose the openings 108, 110 and 112.

FIG. 5 depicts another embodiment of the golf tee holder 200 without the channel 204. FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the golf tee holder of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a golf accessory holder 10 of the present invention along with golf tees 3, 4, 5 and a ball marker 6 to be held thereon. As can be seen, holder 10 comprises a top portion 12, a bottom portion 14 and a connector portion 16 connecting the top portion and the bottom portion. Top portion 12 comprises a golf tee holding portion 20 and a golf ball marker holding portion 22. The holder 10 is preferably made of a hard plastic material, hard rubber material, or other suitable material such as metal.

The golf tee holding portion 20 of top portion 12 of holder 10 includes a plurality of projections or formations which define a plurality of golf tee shaft receiving channels. More particularly, a first projection 26 and a second projection 28 extend upward from top portion 12. These projections are generally tear drop shaped or water droplet shaped, generally defined by a neck portion and a bulbous end portion, as best seen in FIG. 11, and extend radially across top portion 12, perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. Between these two projections is a tubular formation 30, also extending radially across top portion 12, perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, and parallel to the first and second projections. The first projection 26 and the tubular formation 30 define a first golf tee shall receiving channel 36. The second projection 28 and the tubular formation 30 define a second golf tee shaft receiving channel 38. The tubular formation itself defines a third golf tee shaft receiving channel 40. As illustrated, channel 40 is completely enclosed along its perimeter or circumference by tubular formation 30, while channels 36 and 38 remain open at the top. It should be understood that channels 36 and 38 are partially enclosed along their respective perimeters or circumferences by an amount greater than fifty percent so that the golf tees are frictionally held in the channels. Preferably, the first and second projections are resilient and provide a snap fit or friction fit for the golf tee shafts respectively being held frictionally between the tubular formation and the respective projections.

Additionally, it is preferred that the spacing of the channels is such that golf tees must be placed in alternating directions in the channels to enable room for the golf tee heads. Golf tees in the first and second channels 36 and 38 are preferably oriented in a first direction, while the golf tee in the third channel 40 is oriented in a direction opposite to or one hundred eighty degree from the first direction. In this manner, the channels may be located closer together, without having the golf tee heads interfere with each other, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.

Golf ball marker holding portion 22 of top portion 12 of holder 10 includes a fastener 24 for removably fastening the golf ball marker 6 to the golf ball marker holding portion 22. Preferably, the fastener 24 is a magnet and the golf ball marker 6 is at least partially or wholly of a metal which is magnetic. It should be understood however that fastener 24 can be any suitable fastener such as a pressure sensitive hot melt adhesive which can removably secure thereto a golf ball marker of any material such as plastic or metal in whole or in part. Preferably, the fastener sits in and/or is secured in a recessed area 45 in the golf ball marker holding portion 22, as best seen in FIGS. 16 and 17.

FIG. 8 depicts a top perspective view of the golf accessory holder 10, holding golf tees 3, 4 and 5 in channels 36, 38 and 40 respectively on golf tee holding portion 20, and holding ball marker 6 on golf ball marker holding portion 22. FIG. 9 depicts a bottom perspective view of the golf accessory holder 10, holding the golf tees 3, 4 and 5 and in channels 36, 38 and 40 respectively on golf tee holding portion 20, and holding ball marker 6 on golf ball marker holding portion 22. As can be seen, golf ball marker holding portion 22 can accommodate golf ball markers of varying sizes, including larger golf ball markers which may extend over top portion 12 and passed curved portion 16, as illustrated, which overhang assists the user in grasping, removing and replacing the ball marker 6.

FIG. 10 depicts a top perspective view of the golf accessory holder 10 in use on the brim 7 of a hat 8. Top portion 12, bottom portion 14 and connector portion 16 of holder 10 form a clip which allows the holder to be removably clipped onto the brim 7 of a hat 8, as illustrated in FIG. 10. Preferably, in use, bottom portion 14 is located underneath the brim 7 of hat 8, while top portion 12 is located on top of or over the top surface of the brim 7 of hat 8, and connector portion extends around an edge of the brim 7 of hat 8. In this manner, golf tees 3, 4 and 5 and marker 10 are located and carried on top of the brim 7 or the hat 8. The holder is configured to be compact and lightweight such that substantially the entire top portion 12, along with tees 3, 4 and 5 and marker 10, is positioned over the brim 7 of hat 8 while the holder 10 is clipped thereto. In this manner, the holder 10 does not interfere with the golfer's movements in any manner whatsoever, and the golfer essentially will not feel or noticeably see any difference than when the holder 10 is not clipped to the brim 7 of the hat 8 while in use.

FIG. 11 depicts a side view of the golf accessory holder 10 of FIG. 7. As can be seen, the holder is configured in the form of a clip. The top portion 12 extends in a plane from its free end to the curved portion 16. As shown, the length of the top portion is 1.654 inches. The connector portion 16 is generally semi-circular and extends from the top portion 12 down to the bottom portion 14, with an inner radius of 0.125 inches and an outer radius of 0.266 inches. The bottom portion 14 is preferably slightly curved as shown in FIG. 11 and extends from the connector portion 16 to a location past the midway point of the top portion 12. As shown, the length of the bottom portion is 1.007 inches. Additionally, a rubber overmold or liner is secured about the inner surface of the holder 10 from the free end of top portion 12 extending around the inside of the curved portion 16 and back to the free end of the bottom portion 14. This liner provides an increased surface friction helping to hold the holder 10 to the brim 7 of cap 8.

The bottom portion 14 curves upward to a distance of 0.051 inches from the top portion 12, with the lined attached. This 0.051 inch distance from the free end of the bottom portion 14 to the top portion 12 sufficiently allows for the insertion of the brim of a standard baseball hat or cap, having a thickness of at least 0.051 inches, such that the holder 10 can be clipped on the brim of such hat and remain secured thereto during normal use until pulled off of the brim of the hat by a pulling force. Preferably, at least the connector portion 16 is resilient and provides a clipping force between the free end of the bottom portion 14 and the top portion 12 such that the holder 10 is held frictionally on the brim of a hat.

The first projection 26, second projection 28 and tubular formation 30 can further be seen in FIG. 11 on top of top portion 12, and are preferably formed integrally therewith. The first golf tee shaft receiving channel 36 defined by first projection 26 and the tubular formation 30 has a radius of 0.088 inches at its partially enclosed circumference. The second golf tee shaft receiving channel 38 defined by second projection 28 and the tubular formation 30 also has a radius of 0.088 inches at its partially enclosed circumference. The third golf tee shaft receiving channel 40 defined by the tubular formation 30 has a diameter of 0.170 inches. The distance from the center of the first channel 36 to the center of the third channel 40 is 0.265 inches. The distance from the center of the second channel 38 to the center of the third channel 40 is also 0.265 inches.

FIG. 12 depicts a top view of the golf accessory holder of FIG. 7, while FIG. 13 depicts a bottom view of the golf accessory holder of FIG. 7. As can be seen, both the top portion 12 and the bottom portion 14 are generally trapezoid shaped but with rounded corners. The overall length of the holder 10 is 1.920 inches. The overall width of the holder 10 at its widest point is 1.065 inches. The diameter of the recessed area 45 is 0.365 inches.

FIG. 14 depicts a back view of the golf accessory holder of FIG. 7, i.e., as viewed from the open end of the holder 10, while FIG. 15 depicts a front view of the golf accessory holder of FIG. 7, i.e., as viewed from the closed or connector portion end of the holder 10. The overall height of the holder 10 from its lowest point to its highest point is 0.757 inches. As best seen in FIG. 15, the sides of connector portion 16 are preferably concaved, providing a narrower point at its midsection to help provide resiliency.

FIG. 16 depicts an exploded perspective view of the golf accessory holder of FIG. 7, with liner 50 shown detached from the holder 10. FIG. 17 depicts a cross-sectional view of the golf accessory holder of FIG. 7, taken along its longitudinal axis, i.e., taken along line A-A of FIG. 12. Top portion 12 comprising golf tee holding portion 20 and golf ball marker holding portion 22, and bottom portion 14 and connector portion 16 of holder 10 can be seen. In the golf tee holding portion 20, first projection 26, second projection 28 and tubular formation 30 can be seen forming channels 36, 38 and 40. In FIG. 17, fastener 24 can be seen in recessed area 45 of the golf ball marker holding portion 22.

In the present disclosure, the words “a” or “an” are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the singular.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims. While the embodiment(s) disclosed herein are illustrative of the structure, function and operation of the exemplary method(s) and device(s), it should be understood that various modifications may be made thereto with departing from the teachings herein. Further, the components of the method(s) and device(s) disclosed herein can take any suitable form, including any suitable components capable of adequately performing their respective intended functions, as may be known in the art.

While the foregoing discussion presents the teachings in an exemplary fashion with respect to the disclosed method(s) and device(s) for holding and carrying golf accessories on the golfer during a round of golf, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may apply to other method(s) and devices(s) in other applications. Further, while the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that the method(s) and device(s) may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf accessory holding unit comprising: a top portion having a golf tee holding portion and a golf ball marker holding portion; a plurality of channels formed in the golf tee holding portion of the top portion for removably holding golf tees; a fastener provided on golf ball marker holding portion of the top portion for removably holding a golf ball marker; a bottom portion; and a connector portion connecting the top portion and the bottom portion.
 2. The holding unit of claim 1 wherein the top portion has a trapezoid shape with rounded corners.
 3. The holding unit of claim 1 wherein the bottom portion has a trapezoid shape with rounded corners.
 4. The holding unit of claim 1 wherein the bottom portion is biased towards the top is portion.
 5. The holding unit of claim 1 wherein the connector portion has a semicircular shape.
 6. The holding unit of claim 1 wherein the plurality of channels formed in the golf tee holding portion of the top portion are formed by a first projection, a tubular member and a second projection.
 7. The holding unit of claim 1 wherein the first projection and the second projection are water droplet shaped.
 8. The holding unit of claim 6 wherein a first channel is formed between the first projection and the tubular member.
 9. The holding unit of claim 8 wherein a second channel is formed between the second projection and the tubular member.
 10. The holding unit of claim 9 wherein a third channel is formed by the tubular member.
 11. The holding unit of claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of channels is sized to hold a shaft of a golf tee.
 12. The holding unit of claim 6, wherein the plurality of channels extend radially across the top portion.
 13. The holding unit of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion has a free end, and wherein distance between the free end of the bottom portion and the top portion is equal to or less than a thickness of a brim of a hat.
 14. The holding unit of claim 1, wherein the fastener is seated in a recessed area of the golf ball marker holding portion of the top portion.
 15. The holding unit of claim 14, wherein the fastener is a magnet.
 16. A golf accessory holding unit for holding golf accessories on a brim of a hat, comprising in combination: a hat having a brim; a golf accessory holding unit flaming a clip for engaging the brim of the hat; a plurality of channels provided on and extending radially across the golf accessory holding unit, wherein each of the plurality of channels is sized to hold a shaft of a golf tee; and a golf ball marker holder provided on the golf accessory holding unit.
 17. The holding unit of claim 16, wherein the holding unit includes a rubber liner.
 18. The holding unit of claim 16, wherein the golf ball marker holder is a magnet configured to magnetically hold a metal golf ball marker.
 19. The holding unit of claim 15, wherein the holding unit is configured to attach horizontally to the brim of the hat in a plane substantially parallel to a plane defined by the brim of the hat.
 20. The golf tee holder of claim 15, wherein the plurality of channels include a first channel, a second channel and a third channel, and art configured to hold a first golf tee, a second golf tee and a third golf tee alternating orientation. 